Full list: Delicious Living’s 2012 Supplement Awards winners

Unless you have a degree in medicine, or perhaps chemistry, trying to choose a dietary supplement by scrutinizing the bottle’s Facts Panel can feel like deciphering hieroglyphics. To simplify your search, our editors and medical experts studied the science behind the ingredients of the best-quality formulas out there and chose these favorites: the most innovative and effective supplements on the market today.

This popular 10-day program includes a cleansing formula, a fiber mix with glucomannan (konjac root), and probiotic Acidophilus Pearls, which work together to remove toxins and recharge digestive health.

Vitamin C can reduce cold symptoms, but you need to take a lot: 2,000–6,000 grams daily in divided doses. This nonacidic form may be better tolerated and absorbed. It’s also available in new 1000-mg effervescent packets.

Honorable Mention

Boiron Oscillococcinum. Taken at the first sign of illness, this homeopathic remedy may help with flu symptoms

Quantum Health Zinc Elderberry Lozenges. Keep these on hand: Zinc and elderberry may help ease and shorten cold and flu symptoms.

Best digestion supplement: Enzymedica Digest Gold + Probiotics

Here’s a complete digestive solution in one capsule: 13 digestive enzymes combined with 500 million CFUs of specially coated probiotics.

Honorable Mention

Flora Swedish Bitters. A wise tradition overdue for a comeback! Taking a teaspoon before meals primes the whole digestive system.

This new formula maintains healthy cartilage and joint mobility with anti-inflammatory ingredients: a proprietary, bioavailable curcumin complex (derived from turmeric), along with boswellia, fructoborate, and vitamin D.

Tera’s Whey Organic Plain Whey Protein. Whey smoothies may support modest weight loss. This whey is organic, rGBH free, and comes in superfruit flavors as well as goat and sheep’s milk options for those with lactose intolerance.

Best new supplement product: i-Health Ovega-3

The first vegan omega-3 supplement with not only DHA but also EPA, Ovega-3 is sourced from tank-grown algae, so there’s no worry about sustainability or contaminants.

Honorable Mention

American Health Ester-C with Probiotics Digestion & Immune Health Complex. A nonacidic, bioavailable form of vitamin C and potent probiotics help fend off common colds.

Reserveage Organics Keratin Booster. This is the first beauty-from-within product with “solubilized” keratin, a protein that repairs damaged hair, nails, and skin. Biotin and resveratrol also augment cellular health.

Best probiotic supplement: Garden of Life Raw Probiotics

These high-potency, multistrain formulas target health concerns by age and gender. The men’s formula, for instance, supports immunity during workouts.

Honorable Mention

Bio-K+ Probiotics: Original, Fermented Soy, Organic Rice. With no added sugar and 50 billion CFUs, the traditional cultured dairy formula is like kefir on steroids. New Fermented Soy and Rice formulas are great for those with food sensitivities.

Nutrition Now PB 8. A classic combo of eight strains and 14 billion CFUs of prebiotics.

Best value supplement: Nature’s Way Alive! Once Daily Multi-Vitamin

This traditional favorite offers great nutrient density for the price: high amounts of B vitamins, digestive enzymes, and green foods.

Honorable Mention

Carlson Super Daily D3 1,000 IU. With hundreds of doses in a tiny bottle, this superconcentrated, odorless, tasteless liquid is an easy way to customize vitamin D amounts for family members or seasonal needs.

Solgar Ubiquinol. The reduced form of coenzyme Q10, ubiquinol is more bioavailable (especially in these oil-based softgels) than the standard form, ubiquinone—a great heart-health value.